By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has condemned the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.
In a statement on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed Soyombo’s arrest, stating it resulted from an operation targeting a notorious gang involved in pipeline sabotage and oil theft.
The statement partly read: “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.
Reacting to Soyombo’s arrest, Adeyanju condemned it as an attack on press freedom, accusing the military of trying to silence investigative journalism while ignoring the Navy’s complicity in large-scale oil theft.
His words, “I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained for three days. His arrest under the guise of anti-oil theft operations is an attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence his efforts to expose corruption. This detention undermines accountability and must end immediately.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity in oil theft. Top-ranking officers often exploit postings to oil-rich regions with the aim to enrich themselves. Without the Navy’s involvement or approval, large-scale oil theft would be impossible, perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage.
“Fisayo’s arrest and the seizure of his equipment are clear attempts to intimidate investigative journalism. Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust. His release is critical to upholding democracy and justice.
“I urge the government to respect press freedom and call on civil society, the media, and Nigerians to resist this suppression. Fisayo must be released immediately, and investigative journalism must be protected to expose systemic corruption and safeguard our democracy.”
Vanguard